The Netherlands failed to win the exhibition game against Germany. In an atmospheric Johan Cruijff Arena it was 1-1. Substitute Steven Bergwijn brought the Orange alongside in the second half, after falling behind due to a goal by Thomas Müller.
At Orange, Donyell Malen was allowed to start in the striker next to Memphis Depay. This meant that Steven Bergwijn, who still scored twice against Denmark, had to sit on the bench. In the opening phase it became clear that both teams were looking for a quick opening goal.
Müller breaks the ban
Both Germany and the Netherlands had chances to score, but the biggest opportunity was for Malen. After more than half an hour of play, the Wieringen footballer only went to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but shoved the ball on the wrong side of the post. However, on the stroke of half-time, Germany managed to break the spell. Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller was lucky enough to get the ball into the penalty area after a cross from 19-year-old Jamal Musiala. Müller didn’t think twice and shot impeccably hard for the 0-1 halftime score.
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In the second half Bergwijn came in for the unfortunate Malen. Van Gaal’s substitution turned out well, because ten minutes after his substitute, Bergwijn equalized on a pass from Denzell Dumfries. The spectators in the Johan Cruijff Arena thought they could cheer again not much later when the ball hit the dot after a foul on Depay. Referee Craig Pawson from England finally decided to reverse his decision after seeing images.
Orange fights back
After the equalizer, the Orange squad went in search of the winning goal. This almost came, but a bet by Matthijs de Ligt was taken off the line. Germany also had a good chance of winning. Substitute Lukas Nmecha was unable to pass goalkeeper Mark Flek from close range, so that it eventually remained 1-1 in Amsterdam.
Because the Netherlands did not get past Germany and Portugal won 2-0 against North Macedonia tonight, the Orange squad has been sentenced to pot 2 in the draw for the World Cup. The draw for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is next Friday at 5 p.m.
Netherlands setup: flecks; De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind; Dumfries, Koopmeiners (Wijnaldum/46), De Jong, Malacia (Aké/74); Berghuis (Klaassen/58), Depay, Malen (Bergwijn/58)
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